Today's Severe Weather Awareness Week topic is severe thunderstorms. Thunderstorms can create all types of weather conditions from hail to strong winds and even tornadoes.
Damaging winds and large hail are two other weapons in a storm's arsenal. Hail can exceed softball size and straight-line winds can down trees & destroy property. They often garner less respect than tornadoes, but are just as deadly.
A severe thunderstorm watch is issued when severe thunderstorms with large hail, damaging winds, and/or tornadoes are possible, but the exact time and location of storm development is still uncertain. A watch means be prepared for storms. Thunderstorm watches are issued by the severe storm forecast center in norman oklahoma.
As severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a severe thunderstorm is imminent or occurring; it is either detected by weather radar or reported by storm spotters. A severe thunderstorm is one that produces winds 58 mph or stronger and/or hail 1 inch in diameter or larger. A warning means to take shelter. The warning is issued by a local national weather service office. In our case the nearest nws office is in wichita
During a severe thunderstorm take cover in a sturdy structure. Remember to bring your pets inside with you as well. If you are outside take shelter indoors. If you do not have a shelter your vehicle is safer than being outdoors.